Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NY Board of Trades
General Contractor Licensing in New York
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for general contractor in New York, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for General Contractor in New York
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NYS Department of Financial Services • Applications and Licensing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$135,530 median (27% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#4 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet New York eligibility requirements for General Contractor licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required state examinations.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to NYS Department of Financial Services~Applications and Licensing and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in New York
With a median salary of $135,530, General Contractors in New York earn 27% above the national median of $106,980. New York ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,739Median annual salary
$135,530Hourly estimate
$65.1627% above national median
Difference: +$28,550
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationGeneral Contractor Salary Ranking
#4 of 50 statesfor General Contractor median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Massachusetts | $147,750 |
| #2 | Washington | $136,180 |
| #3 | Alaska | $135,630 |
| #4 | New York | $135,530 |
| #5 | Delaware | $135,200 |
Nearby States Comparison
General Contractor licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $135,530 | No educational requirements | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Vermont | $99,660 | Specific course required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $147,750 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Connecticut | $118,680 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New Jersey | $130,580 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Pennsylvania | $103,990 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 64 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Vermont | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Pennsylvania | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NYS Department of Financial Services • Applications and Licensing
One Commerce Plaza, Albany, NY, 12257
Phone: 5184083086
Related Careers in New York
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $93,200 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $51,650 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $63,660 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $78,570 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a General Contractor in New York?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What education do you need to become a General Contractor in New York?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for General Contractor licensure in New York.
What is the typical General Contractor salary in New York?
The median annual salary for General Contractors in New York is $135,530.
How does the General Contractor salary in New York compare to the national average?
General Contractors in New York earn 27% above the national median of $106,980, with a state median of $135,530.
How many General Contractors work in New York?
New York employs approximately 8,170 General Contractors according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my General Contractor license to New York from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for General Contractors in New York?
The licensing agency is NYS Department of Financial Services / Applications and Licensing. Review agency details at https://www.dfs.ny.gov/.
How often do you renew a General Contractor license in New York?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.